Improving Practice Through Clinical Research

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly achievable for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to conduct research in a clinical context to inform practice. This clinical insights paper describes and reflects upon the collaborative processes taken by a clinician to conduct research to answer a clinical intervention question, within an evidence-based framework (E³BP), using single-case experimental design (SCED). A recently completed project which used SCED to explore the treatment of grammar difficulties in early school-aged children with developmental language disorder is referred to as a case example. A time log of the project is also discussed. These data suggested that, although time spent adding research tasks to clinical tasks may seem time-consuming initially, it adds value to professional development. This is especially the case when there is the possibility to contribute to the current evidence base. Advancements in our understanding of E3BP, intervention study design, and collaborative approaches, support capacity and confidence of SLPs in conducting research to inform clinical practice.

Keywords:

• Clinical Research
• Collaborative Practice
• Developmental Language Disorder

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Samuel Calder

Samuel Calder is a speech pathologist, and a PhD candidate and sessional academic at Curtin University in Western Australia.

Mary Claessen

Dr Mary Claessen is a speech pathologist and senior lecturer at Curtin University in Western Australia.

Suze Leitão

Dr Suze Leitão is a speech-language clinician and associate professor at Curtin University in Western Australia.